When Charles Elliot, the new Earl of Wiltshire, and his surrogate brother, Henry Thomas, learn that the death of the previous earl, a much beloved father, they vow to learn the truth. They switch identities to make the best use of their personalities and talents. However, Charles finds himself drawn to restless Lily Mason, while Henry’s actions threaten Jane Mason’s carefully laid plans for a titled marriage. Will their investigation bring them love or are broken hearts on the horizon for all involved?

There’s nothing I love more than a good mystery with a bit of romance. This is more romance with a bit of mystery, which is also something I enjoy. However, it felt like the mystery was sidelined in favor of romance, so I kept thinking “Wait. Aren’t you guys supposed to be solving a possible murder?”

There were a lot of people to keep track of. The story is written from a first person point of view. It bounced between Charles and Henry at the start, then the butler, and then Jane and Lily were added to the mix. For me, it left me feeling like I didn’t really know any of the important characters. I’m almost glad this is part one of the story because by the time I reached the end, I was frustrated and exhausted and even though I was annoyed that nothing was really resolved, I needed a break.

That’s not to say the book wasn’t well-written. It was. The author seemed to have a good grasp of the time period, though I was annoyed by the informality between people who had just met! Overall, it was an interesting concept.

Readers of historical romance who don’t mind the type of story told in a serial format will no doubt enjoy this one more than I did.

Two young men one an Earl and one brought up as his brother, swap identities for a very short period, when they discover that their father was murdered. Their idea is to enter the London season, mix with society and try to get clues as to who murdered their father. The one rule for both of them was to avoid entanglements with the ladies.

Both men failed in following the rules from the beginning. Trying to solve a murder, under false identities and having fallen deeply in love was a dilemma.

The murder mystery being solved went hand in hand with the romances of the two men. Light hearted and a fun read set in the 1800s.

I loved this book! I enjoyed the different perspectives and how it propelled me through the story. I thought the characters were well developed and mystery had me immediately hooked.

FAIR WARNING: You’re going to be hooked and want to read part two right away! 'Crimson Leaves: Death of an Earl' is everything you could want in a swoony regency-era mystery. I found it refreshing to start with the brothers' adolescent POVs to set up the story. Jana L. Perkins expertly delves into the captivating romance and high-stakes puzzle without unnecessary fluff. I highly recommend this book!

Special thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this! The mystery is cozy and kept me hooked, I liked the atmosphere and the writing style and I really loved the characters! There are two romances in this one and they both had all the tension and yearning that I eat up in historical romance

This is a cozy historical murder mystery romance set in the 1800s. It was very entertaining with identity swaps, murder, clandestine meetings, balls and parties, mystery, and so much more excitement and emotional issues. All the characters were interesting and complex, but the main characters were delightful with their humorous and witty banter. Watching their relationships unfold was enjoyable. There is a ploy twist and a cliffhanger at the end. I can't wait for the next story. I highly recommend reading!

This book had all the elements of a perfect story (in my humble opinion.) A murder mystery, enemies to lovers trope, 1800s setting? Sign me up.
I absolutely adored how the romance is portrayed in every historical fiction- there is a yearning that can't be replicated in contemporary novels since everything is so much more taboo in this setting. And this book delivered! My heart would race when either of the brothers even looked at one of the girls' hands. And if they were in the same vicinity without a chaperone? Scandalous!

The main characters of this novel were Henry Thomas and Charles Elliot, two men (who must be brothers in some way but it has not been revealed yet) who are raised as brothers and look so strikingly similar that they are able to switch places when they decide to investigate a murder.

This is not, by any means, a riveting mystery that leaves you on the edge of your seat, it's a very cozy mystery. It serves more as a catalyst to these romances. Because when the men switch places in London, they meet these sisters whom they begin to form attachments with, even though it goes against the rules they have set for themselves.

Jane and Lily Mason were the highlight of this novel for me. I adored every moment I got to be in their heads. Jane is the wise older sister to her carefree sister, Lily. Jane is a by the books woman who wants to be respected in polite society and strives to form a match that will solve all her life's problems. She feels responsible for her family, and consistently ponders which choices would best serve her future. As we come to understand her, we feel her doubts and worries and we understand why exactly she is desperate to stay away from "Charles"(who is actually Henry) when her feelings for him begin to disrupt her perfectly planned life. Lily, on the other hand, is feisty and only cares to be respected for her sister's sake. She is hoping to make a love match, but feels at a loss until she meets the elusive and enigmatic, "Henry"(who is actually Charles).

My only qualm is that the first chapter does not feel in the point of view of an 8 year old and I think it would have been better suited in third person point of view.

All in all, this has been the most romantic book I've read in 2024. It was a joy to read and I cannot wait to read the second part.

When Charles Elliot, the Earl of Wiltshire and his cousin, Henry discover that Charles’ father was murdered, they decide to swap identities as they are near identical in appearance. Soon, they find themselves involved with sisters’ Lily and Jane, who are not who they initially believe them to be.
Not only were the romances between Jane and Henry as well as Lily and Charles interesting, so was the unraveling of the murder of Charles’s father. This was quite a surprise that had me engaged until the end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a strong start to the Crimson Seasons series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of this world. The concept worked with the time-period and was engaged with the characters and what was happening to them. It left me excited to read more in this series and from Jana L Perkins.

A cute romance involving two couples, set for the most part in the autumn of 1816 in London.
A little mystery is sprinkled into the swapped identity story that also includes (forbidden) romance. The story is driven by alternating POVs, which adds pace to the narrative. Nevertheless, the premises of the story are partly very flimsy, even for the genre. It starts of course with the twin-likeliness of the two male MC. A very big coincidence (even given the rather unconvincing and unconvinced excuse about the family ties). Also, why the swap? It is of course explained, but the reasoning does not make any sense, at least in light of the goal of obtaining information addressing the mystery. Similarly, the male and female MC are supposed to be mirrored opposites, which is kind of a bit too “on the nose”. The “investigation” parts seem random, and the randomness of the information gathering is even pointed out by the MC (the overhearing of the discussion with the doctor, e.g.; even Lily finds it rather an expected coincidence). Several other plot decisions do not make a lot of sense, but for the sake of the romance and the mystery it is still possible read pass them. And while the villains are a bit overdrawn in their villainous features, the book leaves you waiting for part II.
All in all, the mystery provides a rather rarely visible background to the romances. While Charles and Lily hit it off on both accounts, Henry and Jane seem to play almost no part in the mystery solving in this book. They just simmer for no visible reason in each other’s company. Maybe it changes in part II? So far, with the progress of the “investigation” their roles and the swapping ruse become more questionable.
Light, cozy read for the fans of historical mystery romance genre, who do not look too closely on
the plotting decisions and focus on the “feeling good” of the book. And isn’t it the whole purpose?

I received a free copy of this book provided by netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

Not my usual genre but really enjoyed this historical read. I truly had it all romance, adventure, and keeps you on the edge of your seat!